Authored by Harsh Gupta, MSc. Advanced Materials Science and Engineering
Recently, I completed nine months of residing in London. While this may not seem lengthy, I’ve gathered various insights. London is a vibrant metropolis, not only for its range of housing alternatives but also for its eclectic communities. Students have an abundance of choices available. Both student residences and private rentals offer amenities such as ensuite and suite bathrooms, private and shared rooms, studio flats, and shared houses. Local students can conveniently arrange apartment visits, while platforms like Rightmove, Zoopla, or SpareRoom enable international students to explore potential rentals online, review features, and evaluate distance to public transport links.
During my search for accommodation, I targeted a room rental in Central London to remain near key landmarks, entertainment venues, and the Imperial campus. The city is structured into six concentric zones, with the first two zones being the most central. London features a superior transport system, including the underground (tube), buses, and trains, making it easy to navigate and travel across zones. To minimize travel expenses, as inter-zonal fares can soar to £5.25 daily, I opted to walk shorter distances rather than taking buses or the tube. Nevertheless, oyster card options have made commuting to university more budget-friendly. Furthermore, London Overground and National Rail services extend beyond the Underground network, reaching areas outside the central zones. Ticket prices for these services vary based on distance and each train operator’s fare structure. The popularity of Central London’s attractions inflates living expenses. Thankfully, attending university with a friend enabled us to share accommodation, which significantly lowered our rent. I chose intercollegiate student housing to interact with peers from various backgrounds and similar age groups, a mix that is harder to find in private dwellings.
Living close to grocery stores was essential for me. Common supermarkets include Tesco, Sainsbury’s, and Co-op, along with more affordable alternatives like Aldi, Lidl, and Iceland. Being near essential shops, including supermarkets and pharmacies, saves significant time on errands, particularly during examinations.
Selecting a neighborhood can be difficult. London’s ethnic communities play a crucial role in its cultural richness, presenting a diverse selection of neighborhoods. Many international students seek familiar environments reflecting their home countries within London. Southall, located in West London, is home to a substantial South Asian population, featuring Indian restaurants, grocery shops, and traditional apparel stores. Brixton in South London is renowned for its Afro-Caribbean community and dynamic music culture. Chinatown, situated in the bustling West End of London, is a vibrant area filled with numerous Chinese eateries, stores, and cultural activities. These are merely a few examples of community-centric neighborhoods.
The ideal places to stay in London are contingent upon personal preferences and requirements. When looking for new accommodation in London, appreciate the diversity and variety of its housing choices, delve into cultural districts, and relish the convenience and vibrancy of this remarkable city.